Seven people from UWM were among the 88 winners in the first round of the Foxconn “Smart Cities-Smart Futures” competition, which attracted 325 entries from higher education institutions across Wisconsin. The competition encourages students and faculty in all areas of interest, from liberal arts to math and engineering, to develop innovative ideas that work towards connected communities.

Winners from UWM include:

Jie Yu, UWM assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, in the mobility and transportation category

Shane Wesener, adjunct professor and research specialist, for the internet of things category

Zihao Jin, student, for the internet of things category

Participants in the first round of the competition showcased ideas related to “smart” technology to work toward solutions in education, health care, transportation and housing.

Winners in the first round of the competition will receive $500 to further develop their projects and ideas under the assistance and support from Foxconn. Earlier this year, Foxconn committed to providing up to $1 million in awards over the next three years through the Smart Cities competition. This year, the competition will award over $200,000 in its three rounds. The seven winners from UWM will compete in the second round of the competition through January.

“The ‘Smart Cities­-Smart Futures’ competition is a chance for students, faculty and staff at Wisconsin’s universities, colleges and technical schools to help shape and change the future,” said Alan Yeung of Foxconn Technology Group.